GERMANY: Human Solutions buys Assyst CAD, PDM assets

The software assets of bankrupt German CAD/CAM supplier Assyst-Bullmer have been sold to 3D body scanning and fit expert Human Solutions GmbH, it emerged today (28 May).

The main focus of the deal is Assyst-Bullmer's computer aided design (CAD) and Product Data Management (PDM) software for the clothing industry, which includes tools for 2D and 3D design, pattern cutting, grading, costings, marker making and cut order planning.

As well as all software products, "software-related services and the software-related hardware supplies" will also be overseen by Human Solutions.

Assyst-Bullmer's fabric spreading, feeding, handling and cutting systems are not understood to be part of the package.

"Human Solutions and Assyst have had an intensive and trusting working relationship in different business spheres for several years now", said new managing director is Dr Andreas Seidl, in a statement mailed to just-style.

He added: "It is our objective to successfully continue Assyst's business at the Ascheim-Dornach site."

Assyst-Bullmer, which filed for bankruptcy in April after failing to renegotiate terms with its lenders, supplies its CAD and PDM products to "several thousand" customers around the world.

The associated development, sales and support units will be retained by Human Solutions, with a view to expanding them further.

Seidl also believes the deal will build on existing synergies between the two companies.

"The complete value-added chain in the apparel industry can now be supplied - from the shop to product development and the patternmaking team.

"This takeover has created one of the largest, Germany-wide specialist suppliers for the apparel sector."

Human Solutions employs around 70 people in Kaiserslautern, Germany and Detroit, US.

It supplies 3D body scanners, as well as the Figura 3D solution that allows designers to try garments on 3D avatars with real body dimensions to save time and money in the collection development process.

It is also launching the iSize portal later this year, which allows apparel makers to check international databases of body dimensions.